History of chemical warfare
Chemical warfare means using chemicals (like gases or liquids) as weapons to hurt people. It is a really bad thing to do and is considered a crime.
Do you know how people used to fight battles a long time ago? They used swords, bows, and arrows, and rode horses into battle. But then, people began to think of using other things to fight. Unfortunately, they thought of chemicals as one of them.
The first time chemical warfare was used was during World War I. The soldiers would throw chemicals like mustard gas into the enemy's trenches to scare them. The gas would make them cough and choke, their eyes would hurt a lot, and they would have trouble breathing. It was really horrible!
After that, many countries signed an agreement called the Geneva Protocol that said they wouldn't use chemical weapons during a war. But some countries still did.
For example, in 1988, the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons against people in his own country. He used a gas called sarin that made people's muscles stop working until they died. It was really sad.
Nowadays, most countries say that using chemical weapons is a crime and that anyone who uses them will be punished. Because they are so dangerous, it is best not to use them at all. Wouldn't you agree?
Do you know how people used to fight battles a long time ago? They used swords, bows, and arrows, and rode horses into battle. But then, people began to think of using other things to fight. Unfortunately, they thought of chemicals as one of them.
The first time chemical warfare was used was during World War I. The soldiers would throw chemicals like mustard gas into the enemy's trenches to scare them. The gas would make them cough and choke, their eyes would hurt a lot, and they would have trouble breathing. It was really horrible!
After that, many countries signed an agreement called the Geneva Protocol that said they wouldn't use chemical weapons during a war. But some countries still did.
For example, in 1988, the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons against people in his own country. He used a gas called sarin that made people's muscles stop working until they died. It was really sad.
Nowadays, most countries say that using chemical weapons is a crime and that anyone who uses them will be punished. Because they are so dangerous, it is best not to use them at all. Wouldn't you agree?